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ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE NBN ROLLOUT IN CARINDALE AND CARINA

Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Local seniors had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in and around Carindale and Carina, thanks to an NBN information session today hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

NBN Co representatives, Damon Cavalchini and Johanna de Winter, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that over 20 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. The network is designed to grow, so at the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

Mr Cavalchini said every household that wanted to keep their landline and internet would be required to switch over to the NBN.

“Every premise in Australia will be connected to the NBN free-of-charge. You will then have 18 months from the installation date to switch over. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you. You will also be reminded plenty of times during this 18 month period to switch over. NBN sends out all forms of communications to each and every household as a matter of priority as the 18 month deadline draws to a close,” Mr Cavalchini said.

“When contacting a service provider about switching over, ask them: what plan do they suggest, whether there will be any additional installation fees, and if you can keep your current home phone number—in most cases you’ll be able to. Have a good think about what plan will suit you best, you’ll have plenty of time to decide.”

Mr Cavalchini warned that some companies were attempting to take advantage of the rollout.

“If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be from NBN Co and saying you must sign up now to keep your landline or internet, this is false. To switch over, you must go through your service provider, not NBN Co, and you will always have 18 months to do so,” Mr Cavalchini said.

Mr Vasta asked attendees to report any suspicious phone calls or doorknockers to his office.

Mr Cavalchini said people should also consider any medical devices they had currently connected to their home phone lines, and whether they would be compatible with the NBN.

“If you depend on medical alarms, auto diallers, or emergency call buttons, we recommend that you speak to your medical alarm provider before switching over to the NBN, to ensure your medical device will keep working,” Mr Cavalchini said.

In response to questions about whether extra boxes would be required inside the home to be connected to the NBN, Mr Cavalchini said there are a number of different solutions depending on the location of a person’s property and the service NBN Co is able to provide.

“You may have FTTP (Fibre to the Premise), FTTN (Fibre to the Node), or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), which will determine whether you have additional devices to be installed at your premise or not. Discuss with your service provider about what will be required to be installed in your home,” Mr Cavalchini said.

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.